Today started with a buffet breakfast, not many of the kids slept but were bright and chirpy this morning. The kids sung happy birthday to Elliarn who turns 15 today. We packed the 41+ bags into the luggage van and we hit the road. Straight to Baylor university for a visit to the book store and eat in the cafeteria. Some of the kids made purchases …

Texas is no ordinary state - joining the United States in 1846 after nearly 10 years as an independent country. To this day, Texas is the only state in the Union which is allowed to fly a flag of the same size at the same height as the Stars and Striped - and is the only state which is legally allowed to secede. I would have over a week in Texas, …

Today we had a lie in till noon, then went into Austin itself and took a tour of the Austin campus, and had a wander through some shops. Once that was over we went down to Barton springs to meet up with the others who didn't do the tour. It was basically a huge outdoor natural pool which was freezing but really refreshing. We relaxed there till 6pm …

It is true, everything IS bigger in Texas - mainly the travel times and the insect bites! I woke up with a bite on the top of my hand which had made the whole thing swell up! But wasn't too bad, and we had a lie in! Tour leader Liz then took us to the University of Texas for a free tour, which was incredible! They have so many awesome facilities …